Temperature adjustment device of electric vehicle

Abstract

To provide a temperature adjustment device of an electric vehicle that can perform cooling also during key-off.SOLUTION: A temperature adjustment device of an electric vehicle comprises: a temperature adjustment device 1 for adjusting a temperature in a cabin by controlling thermo-regulators 52, 72; a key operation unit 8 that turns on / off a key of an electric vehicle; a first operation unit 3 that causes the temperature adjustment device 1 to operate or stop; and a control device 2 for controlling the temperature adjustment device 1. The control device 2 validates an operation of actuation by the first operation unit 3, if predetermined conditions are satisfied, in a key-off state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a temperature control device for adjusting the temperature inside the cabin of an electric vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Vehicles are provided with a temperature control device for adjusting the temperature inside the cabin such as the driver's cab or the cargo compartment. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a refrigerated vehicle that cools a cabin or a refrigerator using an engine.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in recent years, electric vehicles using electric power as a driving source have been developed. Also in this electric vehicle, the inside of the driver's cab or the cargo compartment is cooled. For example, when an engine is used for cooling a cabin or a refrigerator as in Patent Document 1, when the passenger turns off the key and gets out of the vehicle, the cooling of the cabin or the refrigerator stops due to the engine stop. However, it is conceivable that in an electric vehicle as well, the driver's cab or the cargo compartment cannot be cooled when the key is turned off, similar to an engine vehicle.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a temperature control device for an electric vehicle capable of adjusting the temperature inside the cabin (for example, cooling) even when the key is turned off.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This invention is made to solve at least a part of the above problems and can be realized as the following aspects or application examples.

[0007] The temperature adjustment device for an electric vehicle according to this application example is a temperature adjustment device that controls a temperature regulator to adjust the temperature inside the electric vehicle, and includes a key operation unit for turning on or off the key of the electric vehicle, a first operation unit for operating or stopping the temperature adjustment device, and a control device for controlling the temperature adjustment device. The control device is characterized in that when the key is in the off state and a predetermined condition is satisfied, the operation of the first operation unit to operate is enabled.

[0008] According to this application example, when the key of the electric vehicle is in the off state and a predetermined condition is satisfied, by enabling the operation of the temperature adjustment device by the first operation unit for operating or stopping the temperature adjustment device, the temperature adjustment device can be operated even when the key of the electric vehicle is in the off state. Thereby, it is possible to adjust the temperature inside the electric vehicle in a state where the key is off. For example, it is possible to keep the temperature in the cargo compartment of a truck constant to improve the quality of the cargo, or to keep the temperature in the driver's cab constant to improve the comfort of the driver.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to this case, even when the key of the electric vehicle is in the off state, the temperature inside the electric vehicle can be adjusted.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] With reference to the drawings, the embodiments of this case will be described. The following embodiments are merely examples, and there is no intention to exclude various modifications and applications of technologies not explicitly stated in this embodiment. Each configuration of the following embodiments can be variously modified and implemented without departing from their gist. Also, selection can be made as necessary, or they can be appropriately combined.

[0012] [1. Configuration] FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining a temperature adjustment device 1 according to the present application example.

[0013] The temperature adjustment device 1 is applied to an electric vehicle such as a truck that uses electric power as a drive source, and is a device for adjusting the temperature inside a vehicle compartment such as a driver's cab or a cargo compartment (cargo box) behind the driver's cab of this electric vehicle. Hereinafter, the electric vehicle may be referred to as a vehicle. In the example shown below, an example of an electric vehicle such as a truck equipped with a refrigerator will be shown.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the temperature adjustment device 1 includes a vehicle control ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 2, an extended air conditioner switch 3, a high-voltage battery unit 4, a refrigerator unit 5, an ePTO (electric Power Take Off) 6, an air conditioner unit 7, a main key operation unit 8, and a notification device 9. In addition, solid arrows in FIG. 1 indicate the flow of signals and information, and dashed arrows indicate the flow of electric power.

[0015] The temperature adjustment device 1 is a device that controls the refrigerator 52 of the refrigerator unit 5 and the air conditioner 72 (hereinafter also referred to as the air conditioner 72) of the air conditioner unit 7 to adjust the temperature inside the electric vehicle.

[0016] The high-voltage battery unit 4 has, for example, a high-voltage battery and a contactor (not shown), and supplies the electric power output from the high-voltage battery to each of the refrigerator unit 5, the air conditioner unit 7, and the ePTO 6. The high-voltage battery is an example of a drive battery for driving the refrigerator unit 5, the air conditioner unit 7, and the ePTO 6 respectively. The high-voltage battery may be referred to as a high-voltage device.

[0017] The refrigeration unit 5 includes a refrigeration ECU 51, a refrigerator 52, and a refrigerator switch 53, and the power supplied to the refrigeration unit 5 is supplied to the refrigeration ECU 51 and the refrigerator 52. Similarly, the air conditioner unit 7 includes an air conditioner ECU 71, an air conditioner 72, and an air conditioner switch 73, and the power supplied to the air conditioner unit 7 is supplied to the air conditioner ECU 71 and the air conditioner 72. The high-voltage battery is started up and shut down by a vehicle control ECU 2 described later. Further, the high-voltage battery transmits information indicating its remaining charge amount to the vehicle control ECU 2.

[0018] The contactor is an example of a switching device. When set to the closed state, the power output from the high-voltage battery is supplied to each of the refrigeration unit 5, the ePTO 6, and the air conditioner unit 7. Also, when the contactor is set to the open state, the supply of the power output from the high-voltage battery to the refrigeration unit 5, the ePTO 6, and the air conditioner unit 7 is interrupted. The opening and closing of the contactor are controlled by the vehicle control ECU 2 described later. Simply controlling the opening and closing of the contactor by the vehicle control ECU 2 to control the power supply from the high-voltage battery may be simply referred to as controlling the high-voltage battery.

[0019] The refrigeration ECU 51 controls the operation of the refrigerator 52 to perform temperature control in the cargo compartment and the like. The refrigerator 52 is a device that cools the cargo compartment of the vehicle and is an example of a temperature regulator that adjusts the temperature in the cargo compartment.

[0020] Further, the refrigerator 52 is provided with a refrigerator switch 53. When this refrigerator switch 53 is in the ON state, the refrigerator 52 becomes operable, and when the refrigerator switch 53 is in the OFF state, the refrigerator 52 stops. The refrigerator switch 53 is an example of a second operation unit that operates or stops the refrigerator 52 (temperature regulator). Also, the state in which the refrigerator switch 53 is turned on is an example of a state in which the refrigerator switch 53 (second operation unit) operates the refrigerator 52 (temperature regulator).

[0021] The refrigerator ECU 51 notifies the vehicle control ECU 2 of the operating state of the refrigerator 52 (for example, start of operation, end of operation).

[0022] The refrigerator switch 53 may be arranged in the driver's cab or installed in the cargo compartment of the cargo box. The refrigerator switch 53 is operated by, for example, the driver. The set state of the refrigerator switch 53 is notified to the vehicle control ECU 2 described later.

[0023] The ePTO 6 is a device that extracts the power of the vehicle's driving motor and supplies the extracted power to, for example, the refrigerator 52. The refrigerator 52 uses the power supplied from the ePTO 6 to operate, for example, a compressor (not shown) to compress the refrigerant gas, and cools the cargo compartment using the temperature change of the gas accompanying this compression.

[0024] The air conditioner ECU 71 controls the operation of the air conditioner 72 to perform temperature control in the driver's cab. The air conditioner 72 is a device that adjusts the temperature by cooling or heating the driver's cab (inside the cab) of the vehicle, and is an example of a temperature regulator that adjusts the temperature in the driver's cab. The air conditioner 72 may be referred to as the air conditioning device of the driver's cab.

[0025] The air conditioner ECU 71 notifies the vehicle control ECU 2 of information indicating the operating state of the air conditioner 72 (for example, start of operation, end of operation).

[0026] In addition, the air conditioner 72 is provided with an air conditioner switch 73. When the air conditioner switch 73 is in the on (ON) state, the air conditioner 72 becomes operable, and when the air conditioner switch 73 is in the off (OFF) state, the air conditioner 72 stops. The air conditioner switch 73 is an example of a second operation unit that operates or stops the air conditioner 72 (temperature regulator). Also, the on state of the air conditioner switch 73 is an example of a state in which the air conditioner switch 73 (second operation unit) operates the air conditioner 72 (temperature regulator).

[0027] The air conditioner switch 73 may be arranged in the driver's cab. The air conditioner switch 73 is operated by, for example, the driver. The set state of the air conditioner switch 73 is notified to the vehicle control ECU 2.

[0028] The main key operation unit 8 is a device for the driver or the like to perform an operation input to control the on / off of the main key (key) of the vehicle. By turning on the main key in the vehicle, the main power supply may be turned on and the door lock may be released.

[0029] For example, by turning on the main key, the main power supply may be turned on, and by turning off the main key, the main power supply may be turned off. Also, by turning on the main key, the door lock may be unlocked, and by turning off the main key, the door lock may be locked.

[0030] The main key operation unit 8 may include, for example, a smart entry system and may also include a physical key or a main power button.

[0031] Information regarding the on / off operation of the main key performed on the main key operation unit 8 is notified to the vehicle control ECU 2.

[0032] When the extended air conditioner switch 3 is set to on and the temperature adjustment device 1 starts operating, the notification device 9 outputs an operation start alarm indicating that the temperature adjustment device 1 has started operating to the driver or the like.

[0033] The notification device 9 includes, for example, a display device, and may display a message notifying that the temperature adjustment device 1 has started operating on this display device. Also, the notification device 9 includes, for example, a speaker, and may output a warning sound notifying that the temperature adjustment device 1 has started operating from this speaker.

[0034] The notification device 9 outputs an operation start alarm according to the control from the notification control unit 14 described later. The notification device 9 notifies the operator (such as the driver) of the operation start of the temperature adjustment device 1 through the main key operation unit 8 (the first operation unit).

[0035] The extended air conditioning switch 3 is a switch for controlling the activation / deactivation of the temperature adjustment function when the main key of the vehicle is off, and is arbitrarily operated by the driver or the like. When the driver or the like wants to operate the air conditioning unit 7 or the refrigerator unit 5 with the main key off, the extended air conditioning switch 3 is set to on. Also, when the driver or the like does not want to operate the air conditioning unit 7 or the refrigerator unit 5 with the main key off, the driver or the like sets the extended air conditioning switch 3 to off.

[0036] Hereinafter, performing temperature adjustment in the vehicle with the main key of the vehicle off may be referred to as extended temperature adjustment. The extended air conditioning switch 3 may be said to be a switch for setting whether to perform extended temperature adjustment. The set state of the extended air conditioning switch 3 is notified to the vehicle control ECU 2.

[0037] The extended air conditioning switch 3 is an example of the first operation unit for operating and stopping the temperature adjustment device 1.

[0038] The extended air conditioning switch 3 may be arranged, for example, in the driver's cab, or may be installed in the cargo compartment. Further, the extended air conditioning switch 3 may be arranged outside the vehicle. Also, a plurality of extended air conditioning switches 3 may be arranged at a plurality of positions in the vehicle. The extended air conditioning switch 3 (the first operation unit) is arranged at at least one of the driver's cab and the outer surface of the vehicle.

[0039] Also, the function as the extended air conditioning switch 3 may be realized by using, for example, telematics or the like that is connected to the vehicle via a communication system and realizes various functions. The extended air conditioning switch 3 may be, for example, an application switch realized by an application installed in an electronic device such as a smartphone.

[0040] That is, the extended air-conditioning switch 3 (the first operation unit) may be realized by a terminal device that can operate the temperature adjustment device 1 via wireless communication.

[0041] The vehicle control ECU 2 controls the high-voltage battery unit 4, the refrigerator ECU 51, the ePTO 6, and the air-conditioning ECU 71. The vehicle control ECU 2 is an example of a control device that controls the temperature adjustment device 1 such as the refrigerator ECU 51 and the air-conditioning ECU 71.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle control ECU 2 has functions as a confirmation unit 12, an operation control unit 13, and a notification control unit 14.

[0043] The confirmation unit 12 confirms the set states (input states) of the main key operation unit 8, the extended air-conditioning switch 3, the refrigerator switch 53, and the air-conditioning switch 73 provided in the temperature adjustment device 1.

[0044] The confirmation unit 12 may store the values representing the states of the acquired switches in a predetermined storage area such as a memory (not shown). The values representing the states of the switches may be, for example, flags.

[0045] In addition, the confirmation unit 12 checks whether the operation start warning flag is set to on. The operation start warning flag is a flag indicating that the temperature adjustment device 1 has started adjusting the temperature in the cargo compartment or the driver's cab using the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72, and is set by the operation control unit 13 described later. The operation start warning flag is set in a predetermined storage area such as a memory (not shown), for example.

[0046] The operation control unit 13 adjusts the temperature inside the vehicle, such as the driver's cab and the cargo compartment, by controlling the high-voltage battery unit 4, the refrigerator ECU 51, the ePTO 6, and the air-conditioning ECU 71. The operation control unit 13 performs control of each unit according to the states of the switches confirmed by the confirmation unit 12 and the like.

[0047] For example, when the main key is turned off by the main key operation unit 8 (key operation unit) and the extended air-conditioning switch 3 is set to on, the operation control unit 13 controls to perform extended temperature adjustment. That is, the extended air-conditioning switch 3 is a switch for controlling the activation / inactivation of the temperature adjustment function when the main key of the vehicle is off.

[0048] In extended temperature adjustment, the operation control unit 13 activates the high-voltage battery by transmitting a signal instructing the activation (wake-up) of the high-voltage battery to the high-voltage battery unit 4. Then, the operation control unit 13 causes the high-voltage battery unit 4 to supply power to each of the refrigerator unit 5, ePTO 6, and air-conditioning unit 7.

[0049] Also, the operation control unit 13 activates the refrigerator ECU 51, the air-conditioning ECU 71, and the ePTO 6 respectively. When the ePTO 6 is activated, power is supplied from the ePTO 6 to the refrigerator unit 5.

[0050] Even when the main key of the vehicle is off, when the extended air-conditioning switch 3 is set to on, the operation control unit 13 controls to supply power to the refrigerator unit 5, ePTO 6, and air-conditioning unit 7, so that the cooling of the load compartment by the refrigerator 52 and the temperature adjustment of the driver's cab by the air-conditioning 72 are realized.

[0051] In addition, when at least one of a plurality (four) of the suppression conditions exemplified below is satisfied, the operation control unit 13 invalidates the extended temperature adjustment. Invalidating the extended temperature adjustment is an example of invalidating the operation of the extended air-conditioning switch 3 (first operation unit).

[0052] (Suppression condition 1) The refrigerator switch 53 or the air-conditioning switch 73 is off In the refrigerator unit 5, when the refrigerator switch 53 is off, the operation control unit 13 does not activate the refrigerator ECU 51, and activates the refrigerator ECU 51 only when the refrigerator switch 53 is on. The state where the refrigerator switch 53 (second operation unit) activates the refrigerator 52 (temperature regulator) (on state) is an example of a predetermined condition.

[0053] Also, in the air conditioner unit 7, when the air conditioner switch 73 is off, the operation control unit 13 does not activate the air conditioner ECU 71, and activates the air conditioner ECU 71 only when the air conditioner switch 73 is on. That is, the state where the air conditioner switch 73 (second operation unit) activates the air conditioner 72 (temperature regulator) (on state) is also an example of a predetermined condition.

[0054] When both the refrigerator switch 53 and the air conditioner switch 73 are off, the operation control unit 13 invalidates the extended temperature adjustment.

[0055] (Suppression condition 2) The elapsed time since the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72 started operating is equal to or greater than a predetermined time Here, the vehicle control ECU 2 has a timer function (not shown), and based on the information indicating the operating state (start of operation, end of operation) of the refrigerator 52 transmitted from the refrigerator ECU 51 and the information indicating the operating state (e.g., start of operation, end of operation) of the air conditioner 72 transmitted from the air conditioner ECU 71, it may measure the continuous operating time of the refrigerator 52 and the air conditioner 72.

[0056] After a predetermined time (maximum continuous operating time) has elapsed since the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72 started operating, the operation control unit 13 stops the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72. That is, when the elapsed time (continuous operating time) since the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72 started operating exceeds the maximum continuous operating time, the operation control unit 13 stops the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72 and invalidates the extended temperature adjustment.

[0057] Here, when it is detected that the continuous operation time of either the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72 is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, the operation control unit 13 may stop only the temperature controller for which it has been detected that the continuous operation time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, or may also stop all the temperature controllers (both the refrigerator 52 and the air conditioner 72).

[0058] When it is detected that the continuous operation time of the temperature controller is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, by stopping at least one of the refrigerator 52 and the air conditioner 72, it is possible to reduce power consumption and protect the high-voltage battery.

[0059] (Suppression condition 3) An error has been detected in any of the high-voltage device, the refrigerator ECU 51, the ePTO 6, and the air conditioner ECU 71 When the operation control unit 13 detects an error in any of the high-voltage device, the refrigerator ECU 51, and the air conditioner ECU 71, it stops the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72 and invalidates the extended temperature adjustment.

[0060] (Suppression condition 4) The remaining charge of the high-voltage battery is equal to or less than a predetermined value When the remaining charge (battery remaining charge) of the high-voltage battery is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the operation control unit 13 stops the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72. That is, when the remaining charge (battery remaining charge) of the high-voltage battery is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the operation control unit 13 stops the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72 and invalidates the extended temperature adjustment.

[0061] When it is detected that the remaining charge of the high-voltage battery is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the operation control unit 13 may stop all the temperature controllers (both the refrigerator 52 and the air conditioner 72).

[0062] Also, when starting to adjust the temperature in the cargo compartment or the driver's cab using the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72, the operation control unit 13 sets the operation start alarm flag to ON.

[0063] The notification control unit 14 controls the output from the notification device 9. For example, when the extended air-conditioning switch 3 is set to on and the extended temperature adjustment by the vehicle control ECU 2 is started while the main key operation unit 8 turns off the vehicle's main key, the notification control unit 14 causes the notification device 9 to output an operation start alarm indicating that the temperature adjustment device 1 has started operating.

[0064] The operation start alarm may be realized by, for example, a warning sound. When the notification device 9 includes a speaker, a warning sound notifying the start of operation of the temperature adjustment device 1 is emitted (output) from this speaker.

[0065] Note that the operation start alarm is not limited to a warning sound. For example, when the notification device 9 includes a display device, the notification control unit 14 may cause this display device to display a message notifying that the temperature adjustment device 1 has started operating as the operation start alarm.

[0066] The notification control unit 14 causes the notification device 9 to give a notification when the temperature adjustment device 1 is operated by the extended air-conditioning switch 3 (first operation unit).

[0067] Also, when the main key operation unit 8 (key operation unit) turns on the vehicle's main key, the operation control unit 13 realizes air-conditioning control using the refrigerator unit 5 and the air-conditioning unit 7 regardless of the on / off state of the extended air-conditioning switch 3.

[0068] That is, the operation control unit 13 starts a high-voltage device (high-voltage battery) and sets the contactor to the closed state. Also, the operation control unit 13 wakes up the refrigerator ECU 51, the air-conditioning ECU 71, and the ePTO 6 respectively.

[0069] Furthermore, the operation control unit 13 causes the refrigerator ECU 51 to control the refrigerator 52 according to the set state (on / off), set temperature, set air volume, etc. of the refrigerator switch 53. Also, the operation control unit 13 causes the air conditioner ECU 71 to control the air conditioner 72 according to the set state (on / off), set temperature, set air volume, etc. of the air conditioner switch 73.

[0070] [2. Control] Figure 2 is a flowchart for explaining a control example in the temperature adjustment device 1 of FIG. 1.

[0071] The process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2 may be started, for example, when the vehicle control ECU 2 is activated, and may also be repeatedly executed periodically.

[0072] In step S1, the confirmation unit 12 of the vehicle control ECU 2 checks whether the main key is in the on state (main key ON) at the main key operation unit 8. If the main key is not on (NO in step S1), in step S2, the confirmation unit 12 checks whether the extended air conditioning switch 3 is on.

[0073] When the extended air conditioning switch 3 is on (YES in step S2), in step S3, the confirmation unit 12 checks whether the operation start alarm flag is set to on (ON). If the operation start alarm flag is not set to on (NO in step S3), in step S4, the notification control unit 14 causes the notification device 9 to emit a warning sound indicating the operation start alarm (operation start alarm ON). Also, the operation control unit 13 sets the operation start alarm flag to on. Then, it proceeds to step S5.

[0074] Also, as a result of the check in step S3, if the operation start alarm flag is set to on (YES in step S3), it also proceeds to step S5.

[0075] In step S5, the operation control unit 13 checks whether the elapsed time since the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72 started operating exceeds the maximum continuous operation time. If the elapsed time since the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72 started operating does not exceed the maximum continuous operation time (NO in step S5), the process proceeds to step S6.

[0076] In step S6, the confirmation unit 12 checks whether the refrigerator switch 53 and the air conditioner switch 73 are each off. As a result of the check, if at least one of the refrigerator switch 53 and the air conditioner switch 73 is on (NO in step S6), in step S7, the operation control unit 13 checks whether an error has occurred in any of the high-voltage equipment, the refrigerator ECU 51, the ePTO 6, and the air conditioner ECU 71.

[0077] If no error has occurred in any of the high-voltage equipment, the refrigerator ECU 51, the ePTO 6, and the air conditioner ECU 71 (NO in step S7), in step S8, the operation control unit 13 checks the remaining charge (battery capacity) of the high-voltage battery. The operation control unit 13 checks whether the remaining charge of the high-voltage battery has decreased until it reaches a predetermined value or less. If the remaining charge of the high-voltage battery has not decreased until it reaches a predetermined value or less (NO in step S8), the process proceeds to step S9.

[0078] In step S9, the operation control unit 13 adjusts the temperature in the driver's cab of the vehicle and cools the cargo compartment. Specifically, for example, the operation control unit 13 starts the high-voltage equipment (high-voltage battery) and sets the contactor to the closed state. Also, the operation control unit 13 wakes up the refrigerator ECU 51, the air conditioner ECU 71, and the ePTO 6, respectively.

[0079] Furthermore, the operation control unit 13 causes the refrigerator ECU 51 to control the refrigerator 52 according to the set state (on / off), set temperature, set air volume, etc. of the refrigerator switch 53. Also, the operation control unit 13 causes the air conditioner ECU 71 to control the air conditioner 72 according to the set state (on / off), set temperature, set air volume, etc. of the air conditioner switch 73. Then, it returns to step S1.

[0080] Also, as a result of the confirmation in step S1, if the main key is on (main key ON) at the main key operation unit 8 (YES in step S1), it proceeds to step S9.

[0081] Furthermore, as a result of the confirmation in step S2, when the extended air conditioning switch 3 is off (NO in step S2), it proceeds to step S10.

[0082] Also, as a result of the confirmation in step S5, when the elapsed time since the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72 started operating exceeds the maximum continuous operation time (YES in step S5), it also proceeds to step S10.

[0083] Furthermore, as a result of the confirmation in step S6, when both the refrigerator switch 53 and the air conditioner switch 73 are off (YES in step S6), or as a result of the confirmation in step S7, when an error has occurred in any of the high-voltage equipment, the refrigerator ECU 51, the ePTO 6, and the air conditioner ECU 71 (YES in step S7), or as a result of the confirmation in step S8, when the remaining charge of the high-voltage battery has decreased to a value equal to or less than a predetermined value (YES in step S8), it proceeds to step S10 in each case.

[0084] In step S10, the operation control unit 13 stops the temperature adjustment in the vehicle's driver's cab and the cooling in the cargo compartment. Specifically, for example, the operation control unit 13 shuts down the high-voltage equipment (high-voltage battery) and sets the contactor to the open state. Also, the operation control unit 13 puts the refrigerator ECU 51, the air conditioner ECU 71, and the ePTO 6 into sleep mode respectively. Furthermore, the operation control unit 13 turns off the control of the refrigerator 52 for the refrigerator ECU 51 and turns off the control of the air conditioner 72 for the air conditioner ECU 71.

[0085] Also, the operation control unit 13 sets the operation start alarm flag to off. Then, the process ends.

[0086] [3. Effects] The present embodiment described above has the following effects.

[0087] In the temperature adjustment device 1 according to this application example, when the main key of the vehicle is off and the extended air conditioning switch 3 is set to on, the operation control unit 13 performs extended temperature adjustment to adjust the temperature in the vehicle.

[0088] Specifically, when the main key is off and the extended air conditioning switch 3 is set to on, the operation control unit 13 controls to supply power to the refrigerator unit 5, the ePTO 6, and the air conditioner unit 7. Thereby, even when the main key of the vehicle is off, cooling of the cargo compartment by the refrigerator 52 and temperature adjustment of the driver's cab by the air conditioner 72 can be realized.

[0089] In the vehicle, by cooling the cargo compartment with the refrigerator 52 when the main key is off, the temperature in the refrigerator can be kept constant and the quality of the goods can be improved. Also, by adjusting the temperature in the driver's cab with the air conditioner 72 when the main key is off, the temperature in the driver's cab can be kept constant and the comfort of the driver can be improved.

[0090] In addition, even when the main key is off, cooling in the cargo compartment by the refrigerator 52 and temperature adjustment in the driver's cab by the air conditioner 72 can be achieved. Therefore, when the driver leaves the vehicle to perform operations such as cargo collection and delivery, cooling in the cargo compartment by the refrigerator 52 and temperature adjustment in the driver's cab by the air conditioner 72 can be achieved with the vehicle locked.

[0091] Furthermore, when the elapsed time (continuous operation time) since the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72 started operating exceeds the maximum continuous operation time, the operation control unit 13 stops the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72 and invalidates the extended temperature adjustment. Thereby, power consumption can be reduced and the high-voltage battery can be protected.

[0092] Also, when an error is detected in any of the high-voltage equipment, the refrigerator ECU 51, the ePTO 6, and the air conditioner ECU 71, the operation control unit 13 stops the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72 and invalidates the extended temperature adjustment. Thereby, the occurrence of secondary failures caused by the error can be suppressed.

[0093] Furthermore, when the remaining charge of the high-voltage battery (battery remaining amount) is below a predetermined value, the operation control unit 13 stops the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72 and invalidates the extended temperature adjustment. Thereby, the high-voltage battery can be protected.

[0094] [4. Others] The temperature adjustment device 1 shown in the above embodiment is an example. For example, although the temperature adjustment device 1 is provided with the refrigerator unit 5 and the air conditioner unit 7, it is not limited thereto, and at least one of the refrigerator unit 5 and the air conditioner unit 7 may be provided. Also, in the temperature adjustment device 1, a temperature regulator other than the refrigerator unit 5 and the air conditioner unit 7 may be provided.

[0095] Also, in the above embodiment, suppression conditions 1 to 4 are exemplified as conditions for the operation control unit 13 to invalidate the extended temperature adjustment, but it is not limited thereto. The suppression conditions may include conditions other than the above suppression conditions 1 to 4.

[0096] Also, in the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, when the main key is on (YES in step S1), in step S9, the high-voltage device is activated and the contact is closed, etc., but it is not limited thereto. For example, in addition to the main key, a status switch (not shown) may be provided, and when the main key is turned on and the status switch is turned on, in step S9, the high-voltage device may be activated and the contact may be closed, etc. That is, in addition to the main key being on, the status switch being on may be added to the condition of YES in step S1.

[0097] In the above-described embodiment, a drive battery (high-voltage battery) is used to supply power to the temperature controllers (refrigerator 52, air conditioner 72), but it is not limited thereto. Other power sources such as other batteries may be provided, and power may be supplied from the power source to the temperature controllers and the like.

[0098] Also, the temperature controllers such as the refrigerator 52 may be driven by power generated by a device other than the ePTO, for example, another motor or the like.

[0099] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the electric vehicle is a truck using electric power as a power source, but it is not limited thereto. The electric vehicle may be a vehicle such as a passenger car using electric power as a power source. Also, the electric vehicle may be a fuel cell vehicle equipped with a drive battery.

[0100] Moreover, the electric vehicle only needs to use electric power for at least a part of the power source. For example, it may be a vehicle equipped with only a drive battery as the power source, a hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine and a drive battery, or the like.

[0101] In the above-described embodiment, the temperature controller 52 is provided as an example of a temperature regulator for adjusting the temperature in the cargo compartment, but the present invention is not limited to this. The temperature adjustment of the cargo compartment by the temperature adjustment device 1 may be for keeping warm or heating the cargo, in addition to cooling the cargo. Further, for example, the cargo compartment may be partitioned into a portion for freezing the cargo compartment and a portion for keeping the temperature low enough not to freeze the cargo compartment. Further, it may be a portion for only freezing the cargo compartment or a portion for only keeping the temperature low enough not to freeze the cargo compartment.

[0102] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the ePTO extracts power from the driving motor is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of extracting power from the driving motor, another motor may be used as the ePTO. Also in this case, the power output from the high-voltage battery can be shared with this ePTO.

[0103] In the above-described embodiment, the timer function is provided, but the maximum continuous operation time, which is the time for disabling the extended temperature adjustment, may be changed to any time. In this case, for example, the change of the maximum continuous operation time may be changed by at least one of an operation unit (for example, a meter cluster, a touch panel, a dial) in the driver's cab, a terminal device capable of operating the temperature adjustment device 1 via wireless communication, or an operation unit (for example, a touch panel, a dial) provided on the outer surface of the vehicle. Further, the time change of the maximum continuous operation time may be changed for each temperature regulator such as the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72.

[0104] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the temperature regulator includes the refrigerator 52 and the air conditioner 72 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. The temperature regulator may be a device other than the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72, or may be only one of the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72, and various modifications can be implemented.

[0105] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the first operation unit (expansion air-conditioning switch 3) is provided independently of the refrigerator unit 5 and the air-conditioning unit 7 in the temperature adjustment device 1, but it is not limited thereto, and it may be provided in each temperature regulator (refrigerator 52, air-conditioning 72). Further, the second operation unit (refrigerator switch 53, air-conditioning switch 73) may be provided independently of the refrigerator unit 5 and the air-conditioning unit 7 in the temperature adjustment device 1.

[0106] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the first operation unit (expansion air-conditioning switch 3) and the second operation unit (refrigerator switch 53, air-conditioning switch 73) may be the same operation unit. For example, the first operation unit (expansion air-conditioning switch 3) and the second operation unit (refrigerator switch 53) may be the same operation unit A, and the first operation unit (expansion air-conditioning switch 3) and the second operation unit (air-conditioning switch 73) may be the same operation unit B. In this case, for example, when the key is turned on and the operation unit A and the operation unit B are each turned on, when the key is turned off, the function by the expansion air-conditioning switch 3 of either the operation unit A or the operation unit B becomes effective, and the operation of the refrigerator unit 5 and the air-conditioning unit 7 can be continued.

[0107] Note that the first operation unit (expansion air-conditioning switch 3) provided in the operation unit A may be associated only with the second operation unit (refrigerator switch 53) provided in the same operation unit A, and the first operation unit (expansion air-conditioning switch 3) provided in the operation unit B may be associated only with the second operation unit (air-conditioning switch 73) provided in the same operation unit B. In this case, for example, when at least one of the first operation units (expansion air-conditioning switch 3) of the operation unit A or the operation unit B is turned on when the key is turned on, when the key is turned off, the function by the first operation unit (expansion air-conditioning switch 3) that has been turned on becomes effective, and the operation of the temperature regulator (refrigerator unit 5, air-conditioning unit 7) associated with the first operation unit (expansion air-conditioning switch 3) that has been turned on can be selectively continued.

[0108] Also, for example, when the operation unit A and the operation unit B change from the off state to the on state when the key is off, the functions of the respective extended air-conditioning switches 3 can also be enabled. As a result, even if the key is turned off with the operation unit A or the operation unit B turned on, the operation of the refrigerator unit 5 by the operation unit A and the operation of the air-conditioning unit 7 by the operation unit B are temporarily stopped, so that it is possible to prevent forgetting to stop the operation of the refrigerator unit 5 and the air-conditioning unit 7 when the key is off.

[0109] Furthermore, for example, the operation unit A and the operation unit B may be arranged in at least one of the driver's cab and the outside of the vehicle.

[0110] Also, for example, the operation unit A and the operation unit B may be operable on a terminal device via wireless communication.

[0111] [5. Supplementary Note] (Supplementary Note 1) A temperature adjustment device that controls a temperature regulator to adjust the temperature inside an electric vehicle, a key operation unit for turning on or off the key of the electric vehicle, a first operation unit for operating or stopping the temperature adjustment device, and a control device for controlling the temperature adjustment device, wherein the control device enables the operation by the first operation unit when the key is in the off state and a predetermined condition is satisfied. A temperature adjustment device for an electric vehicle, characterized by the above.

[0112] (Supplementary Note 2) comprising a second operation unit for operating or stopping the temperature regulator, wherein the predetermined condition is a state in which the second operation unit operates. A temperature adjustment device for an electric vehicle according to Supplementary Note 1, characterized by the above.

[0113] (Supplementary Note 3) wherein the control device stops the temperature adjustment device after a predetermined time has elapsed since the temperature regulator started operating. The temperature adjustment device for an electric vehicle according to Appendix 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

[0114] (Appendix 4) When the remaining charge of the drive battery is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the control device disables the operation by the first operation unit. The temperature adjustment device for an electric vehicle according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, characterized by the above.

[0115] (Appendix 5) The temperature adjustment device is provided with a notification device that notifies the operator of the first operation unit of the start of operation of the temperature adjustment device. When the operation of the temperature adjustment device by the first operation unit is performed, the control device causes the notification device to perform the notification. The temperature adjustment device for an electric vehicle according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4, characterized by the above.

[0116] (Appendix 6) The first operation unit is disposed in at least one of the driver's cab and the outside of the vehicle. The temperature adjustment device for an electric vehicle according to any one of Appendices 1 to 5, characterized by the above.

[0117] (Appendix 7) The first operation unit is a terminal device capable of operating the temperature adjustment device via wireless communication. The temperature adjustment device for an electric vehicle according to any one of Appendices 1 to 6, characterized by the above.

[0118] (Appendix 8) The interior is the driver's cab. The temperature adjustment device for an electric vehicle according to any one of Appendices 1 to 7, characterized by the above.

[0119] (Appendix 9) The interior is the cargo compartment. The temperature adjustment device for an electric vehicle according to any one of Appendices 1 to 8, characterized by the above.

[0120] (Appendix 10) The electric vehicle is a refrigerated vehicle The temperature adjustment device for an electric vehicle according to any one of Appendices 1 to 9, characterized by this

Explanation of symbols

[0121] 1 Temperature adjustment device 2 Vehicle control ECU (control device) 3 Extended air conditioning switch (first operation unit) 4 High-voltage battery unit 5 Refrigerator unit 6 ePTO 7 Air conditioner unit 8 Main key operation unit (key operation unit) 9 Notification device 12 Confirmation unit 13 Operation control unit 14 Notification control unit 51 Refrigerator ECU 52 Refrigerator (temperature regulator) 53 Refrigerator switch (second operation unit) 71 Air conditioner ECU 72 Air conditioner (temperature regulator) 73 Air conditioner switch (second operation unit)

Claims

1. A temperature control device for controlling a temperature regulator to adjust a temperature inside an electric vehicle, a key operation unit for turning on or off a key of the electric vehicle; A first operating unit that activates or stops the temperature adjustment device; A control device for controlling the temperature adjustment device, The control device, When the key is in the OFF state and a predetermined condition is satisfied, the operation of the operation by the first operation unit is enabled. A temperature control device for an electric vehicle.

2. A second operating unit that activates or stops the temperature regulator, The predetermined condition is a state in which the second operating unit is operated.

2. The temperature control device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1.

3. The control device, The temperature adjustment device is stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed since the temperature adjustment device started operating.

2. The temperature control device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1.

4. The control device, When the remaining charge of the driving battery is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, the operation by the first operation unit is disabled.

2. The temperature control device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1.

5. a notification device that notifies an operator of the first operation unit of the start of operation of the temperature adjustment device, The control device, When the operation of the temperature adjustment device is performed by the first operation unit, the notification device is caused to perform the notification.

2. The temperature control device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1.

6. The first operating unit is disposed in at least one of a driver's cab and an exterior surface of a vehicle.

2. The temperature control device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1.

7. The first operation unit is a terminal device capable of operating the temperature adjustment device via wireless communication.

2. The temperature control device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1.

8. The interior is a driver's cab.

2. The temperature control device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1.

9. The interior is a luggage compartment.

2. The temperature control device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1.

10. The electric vehicle is a refrigerated vehicle.

2. The temperature control device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1.

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